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Punisher: War Zone
Punisher: War Zone Image
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Metascore
30 out of 100

Generally unfavorable - based on 24 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Dominic West, Julie Benz, Ray Stevenson
  • Summary: Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle sets his sights on overeager mob boss Billy Russoti. After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias: Jigsaw. With the "Punisher Task Force" hot on his trail and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished. (Lionsgate)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 12 out of 24
  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Peter Hartlaub
    75
    Assuming you can appreciate the high level of gore and assorted sadistic weirdness, the action is satisfying.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Clark Collis
    58
    Dominic West (The Wire) plays a facially mutilated Mob boss as if he's in a broad SNL sketch.
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: David Hiltbrand
    38
    The acting is better than the script deserves and Lexi Alexander's cut-to-the-hearse direction lends the film considerable kick.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 41
  3. Negative: 9 out of 41
  1. jaypee68
    10
    This is my favorite of the 3 Punisher movies although I thoroughly enjoyed the one starring Dolph Lundgren. This one is gritty, **** in your face death and destruction with no apologies. The action is sweet, the weapons are bad-ass, and Ray Stevenson's Frank Castle are spot on.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. GeorgeM
    5
    First, off...its better than the first attempt...but not by much. The first Punisher film (IMO) was horribly miscast and was totally lacking in substance and character...this version of the Punisher stays true to the brutality and "no nonsense" of the Punisher character himself...but its thrown in with some of the most over the top, gratuitous "action" ive ever seen in a movie...it will probably tickle your funny-bone more than it will raise your pulse. One thing they nailed was the casting of the Punisher...Ray Stevenson walks the walk and talks the talk...and has the "look" down to a T and unlike the first film, this movie has a Punisher that truly has NO problems dispatching the guilty without remorse (as the Punisher character should)...but the weak story tarnishes this. There is a story...its just not in the least bit interesting, which is fine, because i dont think this film was going for anything "thought worthy"...but more "balls to the wall". Dominic West plays a decent enough villain...and he plays the character well, seemingly having a good time being a slimy, tough talking mob boss...obsessed with his looks (his accent during some of the dialog gave me a HUGE chuckle). If you are looking for something action packed, story-less, and hammy then this will be your "cotton candy" for an evening...cant recommend as a buy however. Overall...its worth a look...if anything, just to watch something loud and dumb which is nice from time to time...but to also see a potentially cool Punisher character...and afterwards, you can wonder what wouldve have happened had they gotten it right...oh well. Recommened as a RENTAL… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. CooterPatooter
    3
    War Zone is like a bomb going off in your TV. Its a nerve-jangling cacophony of noise and flashing lights and splattering DNA that doesn't bother with anything resembling story. But strangely, I couldn't help feeling slightly more entertained than I did with the Thomas Jane outing.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 41 User Reviews

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